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Introduction to Law, 8th Edition

Beth Walston-Dunham, J.D., Pamela R. Tepper

  • Copyright 2027
  • {{checkPublicationMessage('Published', '2026-07-23T00:00:00+0000')}}
Starting At $194.95 See pricing and ISBN options
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Introduction to Law 8th Edition by Beth Walston-Dunham, J.D./Pamela R. Tepper
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Overview

Build awareness and appreciation for the impact law has on every aspect of modern life with Tepper’s “Introduction to Law,” 8th Edition.

Starting with the structure of the U.S. government system, this edition guides students through major areas of law using clear explanations, real-world examples, and practical applications. Updated content coverage addresses artificial intelligence, social media, and new U.S. Supreme Court precedents, while relevant ethical considerations and easy-to-understand judicial opinions reinforce chapter topics.

Cengage’s Learning Platform, MindTap, empowers career-focused learning with case studies, writing assignments, chapter quizzes, and applied activities. From fundamental concepts to emerging legal topics, students will immerse themselves in the terminology, principles, and cases that are affecting society and professions today.

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Meet the Authors

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Beth Walston-Dunham, J.D.

Beth Walston-Dunham is a licensed attorney. Additionally, she is licensed in the United States Court of Appeals, 8th Circuit.

Pamela R. Tepper

Pamela R. Tepper is the Solicitor General of the Virgin Islands Department of Justice in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. She presently manages the Solicitor General Division which focuses on appeals, contract review, administrative representation of the executive branch departments and the preparation of legal advice to those departments. She was formerly an Assistant Attorney General and the Deputy Solicitor General of that Department, managing the divisions contracts, appeals and special projects. From 2000 to 2008, Ms. Tepper was the Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel at the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center, St. Croix, Virgin Islands. For over 20 years, Ms. Tepper has taught at a number of paralegal programs, including the Southeastern Paralegal Institute and Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas; The University of Texas, Arlington campus; and the University of the Virgin Islands. Along with this textbook, Ms. Tepper is the author of THE LAW OF CONTRACTS AND THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE, 4th Edition; THE LITIGATION PARALEGAL, 7th Edition; BASIC LEGAL WRITING FOR PARALEGALS, 2nd Edition; LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING and TEXAS LEGAL RESEARCH, 2nd Edition. Ms. Tepper has argued cases before the Federal Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and the Virgin Islands Supreme Court. She is licensed to practice in Texas and the Virgin Islands.

What's New

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  • MindTap builds paralegal skills through case studies, writing assignments, and Connect It activities that strengthen critical thinking, research, and communication.
  • Updated content prepares students for today's legal profession with the latest legal developments, court cases, emerging technologies, and topics such as AI.
  • New writing assignments help students develop legal communication and critical-thinking skills through authentic scenarios that prepare them for real-world legal work.
  • New Internet Assignments in every chapter help students research topics and use the internet as a legal research and analysis tool.

Features

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  • Practice-based examples illustrate key concepts and include thought-provoking discussion points that encourage meaningful classroom discussions.
  • Realistic scenarios and cases help students analyze legal and ethical issues, while building strong professional judgment and decision-making skills.
  • New Consider This scenario-based activities help students develop critical-thinking and analytical skills by applying legal concepts to authentic workplace situations.
  • A Professional Notebook helps students build both their resumes and professional skills and is a valuable interview or work tool.

Table of Contents

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1. The Historical Basis and Current Structure of the American Legal System
2. The Courts and the Process of Legal Analysis
3. The Legislative Branch and Its Process
4. The Executive Branch and Administrative Authority
5. Substantive and Procedural Issues
6. Jurisdiction
7. The Legal Professional
8. The Law of Ethics
9. Torts
10. Family Law
11. Estates and Probate
12. Property Law
13. The Law of Contracts
14. The Law of Business
15. Criminal Law
16. Criminal Procedure
Appendices
A. Important Resources
B. Glossary
C. Index

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  • ISBN-10: 8214131812
  • ISBN-13: 9798214131818
  • RETAIL $194.95
Instructor Next Steps
Students: Buy now